No obscene content should be circulated; the central government issues strict guidelines for OTT platforms

The central government has issued strict guidelines prohibiting the circulation of obscene content on OTT platforms. This directive follows the viral spread of an indecent joke made on the Great India Talent Show through social media. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued instructions to both OTT platforms and the Broadcasting Self-Regulation Body, emphasizing compliance with the 2021 IT Rules.

The ministry has also warned that strict action will be taken against any OTT platform or self-regulatory body that violates these rules. Complaints regarding the spread of pornography and obscene content on OTT platforms and social media have been received from MPs, various organizations, and the public, as stated in an official press release.

The ministry has instructed OTT platforms not to share any content prohibited by law and to implement special control mechanisms for A-rated content to restrict children's access. This directive comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recommendation for stricter regulation of social media content.